Glossary - The encyclopaedia for rubber technology & toolmaking
Our glossary and technical lexicon offers you compact knowledge about moulded rubber parts, composite parts and toolmaking. From A for abrasion to Z for tensile strength, clearly explained and available online at any time.
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Acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS) is a robust, impact-resistant and easy-to-process plastic that is used for housings, interior parts and rubber-plastic composite components with high surface and dimensional stability requirements.
Anti-ageing agents are functional additives that protect elastomers and plastics from damaging influences such as oxygen, ozone, UV radiation or heat, thereby significantly extending their service life.
Aramid / Kevlar is an extremely tensile, lightweight and heat-resistant fibre that is used as reinforcement in rubber composite parts, sealing systems and protective applications.
Outgassing is the escape of volatile substances from materials and can lead to malfunctions, contamination or optical faults in sensitive applications.
An autoclave is a heatable pressure vessel for the thermal treatment of materials - e.g. for the post-vulcanisation of elastomers or for sterilisation in medicine and technology.
Azo and urea compounds are speciality chemicals that are used as blowing or cross-linking agents in rubber processing - especially for foams and friction-active components.
Component assembly comprises the assembly of individual components into a functional unit as an assembly.
Structural steel (S235, S355) is a robust, easily weldable construction steel that is used as a stable carrier material in load-bearing structures, machine components and rubber-metal composite parts.
The proof of biocompatibility proves through standardised tests that a medical device or material does not cause any harmful reactions in the human body.
The elongation at break indicates how much a material can stretch under tensile load before it tears.
CAD modelling is the digital design of technical components and tools that serves as the basis for production, simulation and prototype development in industry.
CFRP (carbon fibre reinforced plastic) is an ultra-light, extremely strong composite material made of carbon fibres and a plastic matrix that is used in highly stressed lightweight construction applications.
Copolymerisation is the simultaneous polymerisation of different monomers to produce polymers with specifically adjustable properties for technical and industrial applications.
Chloroprene rubber (CR) is a versatile, weather- and flame-resistant elastomer that is often used for seals, hoses and technical components for indoor and outdoor use and is also known as neoprene.
Elongation refers to the change in length of a material under tensile load and is a key parameter for assessing the elasticity and breaking strength of technical materials.
Sealing lips are flexible sealing elements that securely enclose media and remain reliably functional even in the event of rotation or pressure fluctuations.
Sealing seats are machined contact surfaces that accommodate seals in a form-fit and force-fit manner, thus ensuring permanent media separation protection.
DIN ISO 3302-1 defines the general tolerances for moulded rubber parts and is an international standard for ensuring dimensional accuracy in elastomer processing.
Pressure resistance is the resistance of a material to compressive stress and is a decisive factor for the function and service life of technical components under mechanical stress.
Stainless steel is a corrosion and temperature-resistant material that is used for durable, hygienic and mechanically resilient components in demanding technical applications.
Elasticity is the ability of a material to deform under load and then return completely to its original shape - essential for flexible technical components.
Degreasing is an essential cleaning step for removing residues from components to ensure optimum adhesion during vulcanisation, bonding or coating.
EPDM is a weather, UV and chemical-resistant elastomer with high thermal stability that is used in particular for durable seals, hoses and outdoor applications in industry and construction.
Express production refers to the particularly fast production of prototypes, tools or small batches and accelerated development projects with drastically reduced delivery times.
Rubber extrusion is a continuous manufacturing process for rubber-elastic profiles, hoses and seals in which the material is pressed through a moulding die and then vulcanised.
A bellows is an elastic component with a corrugated, accordion-like geometry that absorbs movements, changes in length or swivelling movements without losing its protective or sealing function. It protects sensitive components such as joints, shafts or guides from dirt and moisture and at the same time enables a flexible, permanently movable connection.
FDA compliance means that a material or product meets the requirements of the U.S. Food and Drug Administration and is safe for contact with food, drinking water or pharmaceutical applications. Only approved ingredients may be used and the material must not release any substances of concern into the medium.
FKM is a heat- and chemical-resistant high-performance elastomer for seals and components in extremely demanding industrial applications.
Mould cavities are the cavities in a mould that give the component its final geometry during the moulding process.
FVMQ is a cold-flexible, fuel- and weather-resistant fluorosilicone elastomer that is primarily used in the aviation and automotive industries for demanding sealing applications.
Freeze deburring is a process for removing burrs, particularly on rubber parts, by cooling and mechanical blasting.
Housings and covers with integrated seals are components in which the sealing function is embedded directly in the plastic or metal part. The sealing function is usually realised as an overmoulded or pressed-in rubber sealing lip. They enable reliable sealing without a separate sealing component and are often used for compact, easy-to-install assemblies.
Saturated polymers have only single bonds in the main chain and are resistant to ageing, while unsaturated polymers contain double bonds in the main chain and are easier to crosslink; EPDM is a speciality because its double bond is in the side chain.
GRP (glass fibre reinforced plastic) is a robust, lightweight composite material made from glass fibres and a plastic matrix that is used in a wide range of applications in industry, construction and mobility.
The glass transition temperature (Tg) is the temperature range in which a polymer changes from elastic to glassy and largely determines its low-temperature flexibility.
Mass finishing or barrel finishing is a mechanical mass finishing process in which surfaces are machined and burrs removed using abrasive media and movement.
Burr formation occurs in primary forming processes due to material escaping from mould parting surfaces and joints during forming and requires targeted reworking to ensure component quality.
Rubber expansion joints are flexible connecting elements that compensate for movements, vibrations and pressure surges in pipework. Thanks to their elastic structure, they can absorb changes in length, lateral displacements and angular movements and thus protect connected system components from mechanical stress, vibrations and tension in the pipework system.
Rubber-fabric composite parts are elastic components with integrated fabric inserts that ensure high tensile strength, dimensional stability and dynamic load-bearing capacity - for example in membranes, seals or conveyor belts.
Rubber-plastic composite parts are hybrid components in which elastic and thermoplastic components are functionally combined - ideal for seals, housings and flexible technical solutions.
Rubber-metal composite parts are mechanically stable components in which elastomer and metal are inseparably combined - ideal for bearings, dampers and technical sealing systems.
Moulded rubber parts are elastic components made from vulcanised rubber by pressing, transfer moulding or injection moulding. They are manufactured according to drawings and are used as sealing, damping or functional elements in technical applications.
Rubber caps reliably protect components from dust, moisture and mechanical impact.
Rubber buffers are elastic elements that absorb and dampen shocks, oscillations and vibrations. They protect machines, devices and assemblies from mechanical loads, compensate for movements and reduce noise in technical applications.
A rubber blank is a non-crosslinked, mouldable elastomer precursor that is processed in moulding tools to produce elastic rubber parts.
Rubber rollers transmit forces, dampen vibrations and protect surfaces in printing machines, conveyor systems and packaging lines.
Adhesion promoters are chemical bonding agents that permanently bond rubber with other materials and thus form the basis for resilient rubber composite parts.
Heat-resistant materials retain their properties at high temperatures and are ideal for industrial and technical applications.
HNBR is a particularly heat-, oil- and ageing-resistant elastomer that is ideal for durable seals and technical components in dynamically stressed applications.
HTV silicone is a high-temperature curing solid silicone rubber that becomes a permanently elastic material when heated. It combines high mechanical strength with excellent resistance to temperature, ageing and chemicals.
Butyl rubber (IIR) is a particularly gas-tight, weather- and chemical-resistant elastomer that is mainly used in tyres, seals and membranes.
IRHD hardness is an internationally standardised method for measuring rubber hardness using ball pressure and is particularly suitable for small or sensitive elastomer components.
Calendering is a rolling process in which rubber or plastic compounds are rolled between heated rollers. In addition to the manufacture of finished products such as rubber mats, it is primarily used in the production of rubber blanks.
Cold resistance describes the ability of a material to remain functional and elastic at low temperatures - crucial for seals and elastomer components in outdoor or cold applications.
Rubber is the raw material, rubber is the end product created by vulcanisation, and elastomer is the superordinate material class of elastic polymers.
Compression moulding is a process for manufacturing moulded rubber parts in which a rubber compound is compressed under pressure and heat in a closed mould and vulcanised directly.
LABS are substances that interfere with the wetting of paints and must therefore be strictly avoided or tested in paint-critical applications.
A bearing pin is a cylindrical connecting element that serves as a pivot or swivel axis for moving components. It transmits forces, guides movements and secures the position of components within a bearing or a joint connection.
LSR is a liquid silicone rubber produced on a VMQ or FVMQ basis and processed by injection moulding. The material combines high elasticity, purity and temperature resistance.
The Medical Device Regulation (MDR) is the central EU regulation for medical devices, which places high demands on safety, documentation and market surveillance.
Metal oxide crosslinking is a crosslinking process that is mainly used for chloroprene rubber and produces particularly durable, ageing and flame-resistant rubber parts.
Engine dampers are elastic elements that absorb vibrations and shocks between the engine and the vehicle or machine frame. They reduce vibrations, protect adjacent components from stress and improve the noise and running behaviour of the entire system.
Acrylonitrile butadiene rubber (NBR) is an oil and fuel-resistant elastomer that is frequently used for seals, hoses and technical moulded parts in mechanical engineering and vehicle construction.
Natural rubber (NR) is a highly elastic, tear-resistant elastomer made from renewable raw materials that is primarily used in dynamically stressed components such as tyres, dampers and conveyor belts.
Oil-resistant materials permanently withstand aggressive oils and are used in seals, hoses and technical components.
Polyamide (PA) is a robust, wear-resistant plastic with very good strength and chemical resistance, which is used in particular in technical components and rubber-plastic composite systems.
Polycarbonate (PC) is a transparent, impact-resistant plastic that is used for high-quality housings, visible parts and functional composite components.
Peroxides are reactive cross-linking chemicals that produce stable, temperature- and chemical-resistant elastomer structures without sulphur bridges in rubber processing.
Polyester (PES) is a robust, chemical-resistant thermoplastic that is used both as an engineering plastic and as a fabric reinforcement in rubber composite parts.
Polymerisation is the chemical reaction in which many monomers are combined to form long polymer chains - the basis for plastics and rubber elastomers.
Polyurethane (PU) is a robust, abrasion-resistant plastic with high elasticity and chemical resistance, which is primarily used in heavily loaded technical components, dampers and composite solutions.
Polypropylene (PP) is a lightweight, chemical-resistant thermoplastic with a wide range of applications that is ideal for technical plastic parts and rubber-plastic composite solutions.
Polyphthalamide (PPA) is a dimensionally stable, chemical and temperature-resistant high-performance plastic that is used in particular for precise, media-resistant components and rubber-plastic composite solutions.
Polyphenylene sulphide (PPS) is a high-temperature and chemical-resistant precision plastic that is used in media-exposed and dimensionally critical components, especially in hybrid solutions.
A profile seal is a seal with a defined cross-sectional shape (round, rectangular, hollow or with a complex profile) that ensures a seal between two components. It is made from elastomers and is used wherever gaps, movements or unevenness need to be compensated for.
Prototyping is the targeted production of functional sample parts for early testing and optimisation of geometry, material behaviour and processability before the start of series production.
PU elastomers are dimensionally stable, abrasion-resistant plastics with high mechanical strength that are ideal for rollers, seals and shock absorbers in heavy-duty industrial applications.
Rapid tooling is the accelerated production of functional tools for the rapid production of prototypes or small series under near-series conditions.
Rubber recycling includes mechanical, thermal and chemical processes for the reuse of vulcanised rubber products as raw materials or additives in new applications.
Residual materials are recyclable material residues from production that can be specifically collected and fed back into the production cycle to conserve resources.
RTV silicone is a room temperature curing silicone rubber that cures without heat or pressure. It is particularly suitable for sealing, bonding, potting and mould making and is less strong and temperature-resistant than HTV and LSR.
Rebound resilience describes the ability of a material to return energy after rapid deformation - crucial for dynamic applications such as spring elements or dampers.
SBR is a cost-effective, abrasion-resistant elastomer with good mechanical properties that is mainly used in tyres, seals and general moulded rubber parts.
A protective housing encapsulates sensitive components and prevents damage caused by dirt, water or impact.
Sulphur crosslinking is a proven vulcanisation process in which rubber is crosslinked with the aid of sulphur to form an elastic, dimensionally stable and mechanically resilient material.
Series production refers to the repeated, economical manufacture of similar components in large quantities.
The Shore hardness measures how deeply a test pin penetrates a material and thus provides information about its degree of hardness - a decisive factor in the selection of elastic and technical materials.
Silane crosslinking is a moisture-controlled crosslinking process for plastics and elastomers that enables mechanical stability at moderate processing temperatures.
Stress cracking is the gradual formation of cracks in plastics due to the interaction of stress and chemical media - often with critical consequences for component safety.
Speciality alloys are highly developed metal mixtures for extreme requirements in technology, medicine and industry - especially where corrosion, temperature or load limits of standard materials are exceeded.
Injection moulding is a precise moulding process for manufacturing complex plastic and rubber parts in which the material is injected into a mould under pressure and cured there.
Synthetic rubber is an industrially manufactured elastomer material that is categorised into main chemical groups and whose properties can be specifically adapted to technical requirements.
Keyboard and switch covers are elastic protective components that protect keys and operating elements from dust, moisture and dirt. At the same time, they maintain the operating function by transmitting the actuation feel and enabling reliable sealing.
TPEs are elastic, malleable materials with rubber-like behaviour that can be thermally processed and recycled like plastics - ideal for flexible seals, handles and hybrid parts.
Transfer moulding is a rubber moulding process in which the material is pressed from a heated chamber into a closed mould where it is cross-linked under pressure and temperature - ideal for precise components with inserts.
Suction cups are suction cups made of elastomer or plastic that cling elastically to the surface and trap the resulting vacuum. Suction cups create an adhesive connection between the gripper and the workpiece by means of negative pressure.
Suction cups are cup-shaped suction cups made of elastomer or plastic that cling elastically to the surface and trap the resulting vacuum. Suction cups create an adhesive connection between the gripper and the workpiece by means of negative pressure.
A valve seal is an elastic component that reliably seals the flow of gases or liquids in a valve. The seal prevents leaks, compensates for pressure and temperature changes and ensures that the valve fulfils its switching, control or shut-off function reliably and permanently.
Cross-linking chemicals ensure the permanent elasticity and dimensional stability of rubber through chemical reaction - a key component in the production of functional rubber parts.
Silicone rubber (VMQ) is a heat-, cold- and UV-resistant elastomer with very good insulation and media resistance, which is frequently used in medical, food and automotive technology.
Vulcanisation is the process in which raw rubber is converted into a permanently elastic, dimensionally stable and durable rubber state through chemical cross-linking.
Plasticisers are additives that make rubber and plastics more elastic and easier to process and are mainly used in flexible sealing and moulded parts.
A shaft seal is a sealing element that seals between a rotating shaft and a housing. It prevents lubricants from escaping and at the same time protects against dirt, dust and moisture.
In elastomer production, toolmaking refers to the development and manufacture of high-precision tools that are used in the production of rubber, plastic and composite parts for moulding.
Tool costs are the expenses for the manufacture of tools and have a significant influence on the profitability of series production.
Tool cleaning ensures reliable, clean moulding, protects against burr formation and extends the service life of tools in series production.
The tensile strength is the maximum stress that a material can withstand under tensile load and is a key parameter for the mechanical strength of elastomers.
The cycle time describes the complete duration of a production run during injection moulding or pressing and is a key parameter for efficiency and output.